Vocation: The Theology of the Christian Life

Symposium

Abstract

The Reformation contributed three major teachings that would characterize Protestantism in all of its diversity: (1) justification by faith, (2) the authority of Scripture, and (3) the doctrine of vocation. The first two still have currency, despite recent criticisms. However, the concept of vocation has been gradually lost. First, it was turned into a “work ethic”; then it turned into a pious attitude empty of specific content; then it was reduced to just another synonym for “a job.”